Seven heaven as Ludlow open up title race

Waldron’s side followed up their 3-0 win over league leaders AFC Bentley by crushing second-placed Coven Athletic 7-2 at Ludlow Stadium last Saturday.

While Bentley still have a seven-point cushion at the top, third-placed Stretton and fourth-placed Ludlow are now right on Coven’s heels – and both have a game in hand on the side sitting second.

“It’s really opened up the league,” admitted Waldron after doubles from Ryan Lewis, Dan Griffiths and Owen Holdsworth, plus a Reece Williams effort, carved up Coven.

“From second down to fifth, it’s really close – it’s almost as if you are at the point where you have to keep winning, else you are out of it.

“After two poor results over Christmas and New Year, I didn’t think we would be able to pull it back but fair play to the lads, they have knuckled down.

“They have shown what they can do and I am confident that if we can keep fielding this side week in, week out, we can beat anybody.”

Ludlow now have a free week before visiting fifth-placed Walsall Town Swifts and the reverse fixture at Coven.

Waldron added: “After our last three results, it will be a different pressure now – we are usually underdogs but we will go into those games as favourites on current form.”

Stretton, meanwhile, are a point above Ludlow after goals from Jack Davis, Aaron Gough, Sean Gough and Dean Richards beat lowly Telford Juniors 4-0.

They host bottom side AFC Bridgnorth Development on Saturday and then visit second-bottom Worcester Raiders Reserves before a key game at home to Bentley.

Boss Scott Peever said: “I’m always wary of saying games are must-win as it’s hard to pick the lads up if you don’t win – but we really need six points from these next two and we’re aware of that.

“The Ludlow results have been good for the rest of the league and it’s given everyone else a bit of hope, and we are very much still in the mix."